Campaigners from both sides of the software patent debate have stepped up their efforts before the European Parliament votes on the Computer Implemented Inventions Directive on Wednesday.MEPs will vote on a number of amendments to the directive in a plenary session of the Parliament.

Update: Opponents are furious that the EU Council has approved the Computer Implemented Inventions Directive. The future of software patenting in Europe now lies in the hands of the European Parliament

European Parliament says software patent proposal must be rewritten. Whether European Commission will listen is another matter. Photos: Patent protesters take to the streets European patent protesters: 'Innovation--yes!'

Alan Cox, one of the leading lights of the UK Linux scene, was among those celebrating on Thursday after the European Parliament demanded a total rethink of the software patent directive.On Wednesday the Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) voted 19 to one, with one abstention, in favour of a motion asking the European Commission to rewrite the Computer Implemented Inventions Directive.